Gamers’ delight returns at Norcalympia facility

A full size replica Formula One car and a Minecraft Zone will be among the highlights as the Play Expo returns to Blackpool this weekend.

Thousands of enthusiasts are expected as Replay Events brings the best in retro and modern gaming entertainment to Norcalympia at the Norbreck Castle Hotel on Queens Promenade, starting at 10am on Saturday and Sunday.

There will, of course, be the usual extensive collection of free play arcade cabinets and pinball machines and hundreds of retro consoles, computers and handhelds to play all weekend

This year will also see a world first preview and hands on of Sociable Soccer with tournaments overseen by Sky Sports eSports presenter Matt Andrews.

For the very first time Play Expo Blackpool will be offering the chance for visitors to attend master classes with industry experts. These include Sega artist Duncan Gutteridge who will talk about his work on various Sonic projects and showing visitors how to draw the classic game character.

The Museum of Games and Gaming will also be bringing its ‘Why do we play?’ exhibition, investigating the entire history of gaming.

Organiser Andy Brown said: “There will, of course, be the usual extensive collection of free play arcade cabinets and pinball machines and hundreds of retro consoles, computers and handhelds to play all weekend.

“Guests looking to spend on cool merchandise should head to the trading hall which will be full of games, apparel and memorabilia.”